Francis Mallmann travel tips

More travelers than ever will be heading to Paris this summer as the 2024 Olympics unfold. These new hotels across France are worth taking a diversion for.

A majority of American adults (82%) plan to take at least one vacation this summer, according to The Vacationer’s recent travel survey. With that in mind, here’s a sampling of unique and unexpected summer escapes at you can find at centers and lodgings from the Pacific to Provence: creative and luxurious experiences to help you beat the heat and lean into the season. These may inspire you to find others to suit your summer interests—and go.

“Muy bien, Panchita,” I whispered to my horse as she picked her way up the rocky path. It was 5:30 a.m., and the stars above us were lighting the way. Our group was hushed, and the only sounds came from our horse's hooves, the gauchos' commands, and reverent gasps as the sun began to rise, revealing the Andes against a pinkening sky. I took a moment to let the experiences of the past weekend wash over me while we rode: Two days prior, I'd learned how to cook by fire with iconic Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. I had, later, taken a sensory wine course taught by one of the first certified sommeliers in Argentina, Mariana Onofri. When we reached the mountain peak, I dismounted my horse and joined my group of fellow travelers circling a roaring fire, as someone handed me a steaming gourd of maté.

It’s 2023, and most wineries have fairly decent food—some local cheeses, cured meats and often a proper three-course lunch. But some of them are going far and above, installing Michelin-star (or Michelin-caliber) chefs on the premises and letting them run free with their technique and creativity. And of course, the wine pairings are always spot-on. Here, in alphabetical order, are ten of the most interesting right now.

Every summer, Argentines and Brazilians flock to Uruguay’s glitzy resort Punta del Este to hang out. This usually means fiestas by night and catching up on sleep on sandy beaches by the day. But Punta isn’t just about partying hard. There’s also a fantastic dining scene to discover, from unpretentious boltholes tucked away in sand dunes, to winery restaurants overlooking vineyards, high-end places with fancy tasting menus and hip beach bars. Here, we reveal 10 of the best restaurants in Punta del Este (in alphabetical order), plus two bonus tips.